From PRI, Public Radio International and KCRW Santa Monica, this is To the Point.

A controversial presidency comes to an end.

Hello again, I'm Orman Alney, and this is To the Point from Public Radio International.

A daily look at the issues Americans care about most.

George W. Bush enjoyed 90% approval ratings after September 11th. There was widespread initial support for his war in Iraq. But he leaves office less popular than any outgoing

president since Richard Nixon. And since the November elections, he has tried to shape his own legacy.

Last night's address from the White House was his last scheduled public appearance

till Tuesday's transfer of power.

Today we'll hear some excerpts from that speech,

and we'll look at the highlights and lowlights of the past eight years.

On Popter's notebook later on, jet airliners and migrating birds.

First, here's the news.

Support for To the Point comes from subscribers of KCRW Santa Monica and from the Public Radio International Program Fund, whose contributors include the Ford Foundation, the John D. and Catherine T. McArthur Foundation,

and the Skoll Foundation, supporting social entrepreneurs around the world. Uncommon heroes dedicated to

the common good. Learn more at scole.org. Hello again, Warren Alney, back with To the Point.

The presidency of George W. Bush began in controversy over whether he got more votes than Al Gore.

After September 11th, his popularity soared. But now 75% of Americans tell pollsters they'll be glad

to see him go. On today's To the Point excerpts from last night's final speech from the White House

and assessments of what went wrong and what went right. On reporter's notebook on the Hudson River, a rare perfect performance by an airline pilot,

but the likely cause of the crash landing, birds in the engines, all too common.

First, this news update, Israel's cabinet will vote tomorrow on a unilateral ceasefire in the Gaza Strip.

John Alterman was in the State Department during the first Bush administration. Excuse me, the first term of the current President Bush. He now directs the Middle East program at the Center for Strategic and International Studies in Washington. And John Alterman, it's good to have you on our program. Good to be with you again. We've seen two reports, or they've worded differently. One says they're going to vote on a unilateral ceasefire.

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